What is the DNRC?

The DNRC project is an investment in the future of clinical rehabilitation in the UK, both military and civilian. The project is the initiative of the Duke of Westminster and in 2010 was the subject of a comprehensive feasibility study which concluded that a new establishment in the Midlands would bring wholesale improvement in rehabilitative terms. The Midlands site would have at its core a Defence establishment (the ‘D’ element) providing a unique military rehabilitation environment, replacing Headley Court in Surrey. This core would provide the catalyst for a national resource – the ‘N’ element – where there are promising opportunities in the fields of research and disability sport. The full ‘N’ potential could be considerable. The Government announced that the ‘D’ element would proceed in a Written Ministerial Statement on 10 July 2014 paving the way for the facility to open in 2017 and become operational in 2018.

Why Stanford Hall Estate?

During the DNRC feasibility study a comprehensive search of available sites close to the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham (where wounded members of the armed forces are treated) was undertaken. The Stanford Hall estate met the selection criteria best of all sites considered. Stanford was acquired by the Duke of Westminster as the potential DNRC site in 2011 and the planning proposals were approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council in June 2013. Stanford is a rural (yet not remote) estate of 145 hectares comprising the Grade 2 star listed Hall, adjacent buildings, and a substantial area of mature parkland and woodland with fine views and a lake. It is the right size and an ideal site for the DNRC.

What are we proposing?

The redevelopment of the Stanford Hall Estate is planned as 2 distinct elements: the Defence establishment and the National facility. A Written Ministerial statement in July 2014 confirmed that the DNRC should be created and the defence establishment should therefore move to the detailed design and procurement phase. The Defence establishment is now proceeding on the basis that it will be completed in 2017, and become operational in 2018. Implementation of the National facility is being planned on a different timescale with the business case being developed in 2016 and a further ministerial statement expected subsequently.

How will it be funded?

The capital cost of the acquisition of the Stanford site and the construction of the new Defence establishment are the subject of a fundraising campaign. The cost of operating the new Defence establishment will fall to the Ministry of Defence. Funding for the capital and operating costs of the national element, when they have been determined, will come from other sources. The fundraising campaign (where the target is £300M) is being led by the Duke of Westminster. The Duke has acquired the Stanford Hall estate as the site for the DNRC, and has made a very substantial donation to the project beyond that which he has already given. Donations to the armed forces and the nation on this scale seldom occur – the DNRC promises to be a remarkable legacy.

Recent news

Government announces go ahead for the Defence Establishment

On 10 July 2014 the Government announced that construction could start in 2015 on the Defence establishment that will be part of the creation of the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC) on the Stanford Hall Estate. The plan is for work to start in 2015 in order that the existing Defence facility at Headley Court can move from Surrey and be operational on the Stanford Hall estate in 2018.The business case relating to the national facility is expected in 2016. The full Written Ministerial Statement is available here.
Tenders for construction have been received and are being evaluated with a view to contracts being let shortly and work starting this summer. Once construction is underway this website will be updated regularly to allow people to track progress on the development and to follow the DNRC programme as a whole, including the widening of the fundraising campaign which is likely to occur this autumn and will include major engagement with the communities in the Midlands.